Supervision in the federal system is:

• A core responsibility of U.S. probation and pretrial services officers, along with investigation.
• A way to monitor the activities and behavior of people released to the community by the federal courts or paroling authorities.
• An opportunity to help offenders reintegrate into the community following a period of incarceration.
• In the case of probation, a punishment that is less severe than imprisonment, but still holds people accountable for breaking the law.
• An alternative to jail or prison that costs less than incarceration and gives people charged with or convicted of federal crimes the opportunity to live with their families, hold jobs, and be productive members of society.

Read more about supervision.